PhD Programme in Innovation for the Circular Economy

Plastic materials in the circular economy

Plastic materials in the circular economy

Academic year 2025/2026

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Program
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Teaching tools
• Course card

Course objectives

This course contributes to the achievement of the educational objectives of the PhD program by offering a comprehensive overview of the roles of plastic materials from a perspective of sustainability and circularity.

The course explores issues related to plastic use, pollution from plastics, and the key processes involved in the recovery and recycling of polymeric materials. It will analyze the causes and consequences of environmental pollution from plastic, starting from the history, market, and chemistry of plastic, before exploring possible solutions to mitigate the impact. Essential aspects of managing a plastic recycling process, including the degradation phenomena that occur during processing and the lifecycle of plastic materials will be covered.  In particular, the course will emphasize the concept of sustainability in relation to polymeric materials, exploring the processes and production of polymers derived from renewable sources. It also addresses the biodegradability of polymeric materials, the use of natural polymers, and the synthesis of biodegradable polymers.

Results of learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will gain knowledge in the following areas:

- Classification of polymeric materials and their market trends

- Origin, classification, and fate of plastic waste and microplastics

- Polymers recycling technologies: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

- Bio-based and biodegradable polymers: classification, origin, and production

The knowledge acquired in this course will deepen students' understanding of the main classes of polymeric materials, along with their production and consumption on a global, European, and Italian scale. Additionally, they will learn microplastics' roles and their impacts on the environment and health. Students will gain knowledge in polymer waste management, focusing on essential aspects of the plastics recycling process, such as collection, sorting, and potential recycling sources. They will become competent in classifying different recycling technologies and identifying recycling possibilities for various types of plastics. Furthermore, students will acquire skills in the definition, properties, and main applications of bioplastics as alternatives to conventional polymers.

Program

The course will consist of four lessons which are detailed below.

Day 1 (Monday 20/4 11-13)

- Origin, classification, and fate of plastic waste

- Microplastics and their impacts on the environment and health

- Plastics production and consumption on a global, European, and Italian scale

Day 2 (Tuesday 21/4 11-13)

- Different plastics for different applications and needs

- The life cycle of plastics

- Recycling of plastics: primary and secondary

Day 3 (Wednesday 22/4 11-13)

- Recycling of plastics: tertiary and quaternary

- Bioplastics

- Case studies of LCA applied to bioplastics

Day 4 (Wednesday 24/4 11-13)

- Challenges to plastic production

- Final Pitch Presentation

Course delivery

This course is delivered through interactive face-to-face lectures in the classroom, supplemented with projected images, graphics, and videos. The course will conclude with a final pitch presentation, where students will present their critical analyses of the themes discussed. All teaching materials will be made available for additional study. Communication with students will take place via email.

Learning assessment methods

Students will be required to explore a theme discussed during the lessons by reviewing relevant literature from sources such as Scopus, SciFinder, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PubMed. They will then deliver an oral presentation using PowerPoint or PDF format. The presentation must provide a critical overview of the topic and highlight its innovative aspects, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

• Teaching material
• Exams and finals
• Class schedule
• Go to Moodle
• Register for the course
• Enrolled students
• Invia email agli studenti registrati
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